[ALL] IRRK: ICC Unveils New Look with New Technology
ICC Unveils New Look with New Technology
May 19, 29484 - [Global]
IRRK - In an unannounced move by the ICC early last week, Peacekeeper troops across Rubi-Ka were suddenly given a fresh look and appearance, updating their older armor (originally based on the popular 'Tech Armor' variant) with a new, sleek appearance and design. This update was made without any prior notice or press release, making for quite the surprise for returning visitors to the ICC complex in Andromeda.
Shortly after the uniform change-over was put into place the Oceania ICC facility, located on Earth, issued a brief press release detailing the change in appearance and speaking briefly regarding the technical considerations of the new armor sets.
Two separate pieces of technology make up the combined whole of the new armor set, with bulky plating replaced by a super-thin composite metaplast lattice. The armor features a micro-honeycombed structure of interwoven plating across sensitive areas such as the chest, each individual plate at only 50 µm2 - Half the width of a human hair. Underneath the plating areas are a semi-solid 'sheath' comprised of condensed tungsten disulfide nanotubes, interlaced with reactive Molybdenum weaving to ensure a comfortable, flexible, yet protective covering across the entirety of the body. The helmet features reaction sensors wired throughout the rest of the suit, linked to shear-thickening cushioning systems which reduce inertial pressure in case of a sudden blow; the helmet's visor is made of a translucent metaplast/titanium hybrid interwoven with datawafers for a completely modifiable internal digital display.
In a holo-conference with chief ICC technical designer Helen McCreary, she had the following to say regarding the new look.
"Traditionally, we've always looked for low-cost solutions when it comes to outfitting our various planetary troops - Not to say we cut corners in terms of safety, mind you, but that as an inter-stellar organization we have to keep our bottom line in mind. One of the main joys of our new design is that while there's a bit steeper initial cost in producing the armor set, we save money on repair costs due to the ablative nature of the armor - Rather than having to do massive repair work on individual pieces, the honeycombed structure keeps damage at a small, localized level, letting the armor repair be as simple as infusing it with new metaplast tiles. In terms of Rubi-Ka this becomes even easier, as nanite fabrication units can create new tiles on the fly, repairing the armor even in the heat of battle."
We later spoke with on-planet ICC Commander Gerald Constad, and asked him to share his views of the new armor.
"All in all it's a great change - More comfortable, more protective; hell, even Coursey seems to like it, and that's saying something. The design has been specifically tweaked and altered to ensure safety for ICC troops here on Rubi-Ka, in case of needed movement or potential fire-fights. Though we obviously hope to avoid any such confrontations in the near future, protecting our ground troops in case of a scuffle between our forces and the various leaderships of Rubi-Ka is a top priority for the ICC, particularly given the current political climate and... other ongoing situations. Should we wish to increase our presence on Rubi-Ka at any time, this armor will help to ensure visibility and recognition among the general populace."
When asked to clarify this statement, Peacekeeper Commander Constad declined further commentary.
Though somewhat disorienting at first, Rubi-Kan citizens from all sides have taken to the new look for the Peacekeepers, offering nothing but praise for the new look and design. The enigmatic fashion designer and commentator Miiir gave the new armor set an impromptu "eleven out of ten" rating at a recent late-night Plumbo-sponsored charity event, while weapon-smith Tsunayoshi Smith praised the addition of the shoulder pad, stating that the additional armor plating added both a stylistic touch and enhanced functionality to the suit.
So far attempts to reach Omni-Tek leadership have failed, and no comment from the corporate giant has been made at this time. Though Clan leadership has made no official public response, Alan Jacobi has been quoted as saying that the new armor had "definite aesthetic appeal" and that he would "[potentially] look into the design for inspiration".
ICC officials have stated that dispersal of the new uniforms is slowly spreading across their established bases galaxy-wide, with a finalized deployment date of August 2nd, 29484.
